A federal lawsuit was filed Thursday by some Christian leaders, asking the court to throw out North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper's indoor religious service restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic. They argue their rights to worship freely are being violated.
The governor's order allows outdoor services with no limit on the number of people attending as long as social distancing measures are followed, but most faith organizations are prohibited from holding indoor services with more than 10 people attending.
Winston-Salem pastor Ron Baity is a plaintiff in the lawsuit along with the Return America group he leads, and spoke at a rally next to the Legislative Building. "Just because we have a pandemic does not necessarily mean that our First Amendment to our Constitution has been suspended," Baity said. "We are tired of being told we don't have the mentality to do what's best for our people. I think we do."
Cooper says he recognizes the importance of faith and fellowship in times of crisis, but says they don't want churches to become hot spots for COVID-19. He says, "we hope that congregations across North Carolina will talk with their leaders and will make good decisions about what is right to look after each other."
Johnston County sheriff Steve Bizzell tells WBT his officers will not be enforcing the governor's church restrictions, saying it's ridiculous to think Walmart would take better care of crowds than churches would. "Church folks, the pastors and the church leaders, would be more inclined to implement safety guidelines for their brothers and sisters in Christ, even more so than the big box stores would for their customers," Bizzell said.
Mark Garrison reports a big crowd gathered in Raleigh to pray, sing, and file suit...